Author: Kimberly

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Kelly & Kimberly review Ricochet by Skye Jordan

RicochetTITLE: Ricochet
SERIES: Renegades #3
CHARACTERS: Nathan Ryker & Rachel Hart
AUTHOR: Skye Jordan
PUBLICATION DATE: July 14, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N {coming soon}

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
After a tragic incident in Afghanistan leaves Master Sergeant Nathan Ryker the only man standing in his tight-knit team, he spirals into an alcohol-and-sex induced escape. A call from his lifelong buddy pulls Ryker from the shadows with a request for help with his stunt company’s latest blockbuster. If Ryker can survive the next three weeks of leave and get back to his remaining men, he might just be all right. But a sexy woman who can take his mind off his trauma is too hard to resist, and when he hooks up with Renegades’ sultry, snarky office manager, his sanity takes a backseat to the first glimpse of a future he isn’t sure he deserves.
Still reeling from a bitter romantic betrayal, Rachel Hart wants nothing more than an uncomplicated hookup. So when the mysterious Nathan seduces her with a little dirty talk and one delicious kiss, Rachel drowns all her good sense in a Mandarin and soda and gives herself over to a night of sexual bliss. But her memories tarnish in the morning light when Rachel discovers his real identity and his link to Renegades. Her job and her friends are the only thing holding her life together, and she won’t be ruined by one sultry night with this damaged and dangerously sexy man.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This was an excellent story that took me on some major highs and lows. Nathan Ryker is a broken man, although he will not tell you that. He knows he has a problem, but it is his problem and he will deal with it. Only thing is he is not dealing with it. Not at all. Until he meet Rachel. Rachel makes him forget, makes him want things, makes him want to be better. But there is another problem he has to deal with, he is leaving soon.

Rachel. Rachel. Rachel. The sweet girl that hangs out with the kick ass Renegade boys and keeps them in line. She is awesome. Rachel is feisty and mean at the same time being sweet and kind. And when she meets Nathan for the first time the girl she wishes she was comes out and for one night she let’s herself live a little. But when morning comes there is one little problem. Rachel learns who Nathan really is.

OH MY GOOD GOD!!! This was a great book. I warn you that the first oh …… 5+ chapters were scorching hot. So if you don’t like reading in mixed company I would suggest waiting until you are alone *wink, wink*. I can’t wait to see how Skye tops this one.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
5 Hearts I am in love. With Nathan Ryker. Ok the whole book really but mainly Ryker. I think I fell in love with him in his first scene in chapter 2 at LAX. I just wanted to pull him in and hug him and tell him I would make everything better. I continued to love him through every chapter. I actually cried when he got his first look at Carmello. What an incredibly strong and poignant moment which then just brought the scene on the beach where I think I feel even more in love with Ryker. He is such a strong man and his heart is so open but he just doesn’t know it.
Rachel is great. She is the type I would want to be friends with and secretly hate her for being the type of woman I wish I was. Not only is she beautiful but she doesn’t see herself that but she also is completely put together. The way she understands Ryker’s PTSD is incredible.
I think Skye Jordan did an incredible job showing the life of a soldier with PTSD. It is not something that hits every second, it is not something that can be seen from the outside, and is not something someone without it can understand. Jordan pulls the reader into Ryker’s world so well.
I honestly think this is one of the best stories I have read in quite a while. While the characters were wonderful the story itself was consuming. If you are a fan of romance then pick up this book! You will not regret it. And like me it will leave you wanting to read Troy’s story. Troy has a heart that he wears on his sleeve everywhere he goes and I can’t wait to meet the woman who can get her hands on it.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & Cygnet Books in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Fake It by Jennifer Chance

Fake itTITLE: Fake It
SERIES #: Rule Breakers #2
CHARACTERS: Anna & Jake
AUTHOR: Jennifer Chance
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
New grad Anna Richardson works hard—so hard that she’s given up having a romantic life. Anna has even convinced her friends that she’s dating an amazing guy—who they’ve simply never met. But now Anna has a wedding to attend and needs to produce the hottie she’s been lying about for the past six months. Enter Jake Flynn, her infuriating, motorcycle-riding, jaw-droppingly gorgeous neighbor, who’s more than willing to fake it for a weekend. In fact, Jake won’t be satisfied until things get real.

Though Jake is only playing the role of adoring boyfriend, he’s starting to feel the heat, and judging by Anna’s sweet blush, so is she. Letting chemistry this intense go to waste would be a real shame. Soon, though, the thin line between fantasy and reality fades. Jake may not be what every buttoned-up fast-tracker wants, but he’s sure as hell what Anna needs. And if she takes a ride with him, their adventure never has to end.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts A little cliche’ but worth the read. Any fan of the romance genre has read this story before. Girl needs a date for a friends wedding, she finds a guy to fake it for the weekend and they fall in love. And while this is the same scenario it is a cute story. Jake is an adorable guy who really is the bad boy with a heart of gold. I think the author was trying to write him as more of a bad boy then it actually turned out because I am not sure we say any bad at all in him. Anna is a workaholic who just wants to make sure all is set in her world correctly and Jake blows that out of the water.

I enjoyed the story. It was a bit wordy but was still a good read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kelly reviews Better Home and Hauntings by Molly Harper

better homesTITLE: Better Homes & Hauntings
SERIES #: (I hope this ends up being a part of a series :D)
CHARACTERS: Deacon, Nina, Jake, Cindy, Dotty and some creepy shadowy things.
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
PUBLICATION DATE: June 24, 2014
AUDIBLE RUN TIME: 8 Hours & 52 Minutes
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
When Nina Linden is hired to landscape a private island off the New England coast, she sees it as her chance to rebuild her failing business after being cheated by her unscrupulous ex. She never expects that her new client, software mogul Deacon Whitney, would see more in her than just a talented gardener. Deacon has paid top dollar to the crews he’s hired to renovate the desolate Whitney estate—he had to, because the bumps, thumps, and unexplained sightings of ghostly figures in nineteenth-century dress are driving workers away faster than he can say “Boo.”

But Nina shows no signs of being scared away, even as she experiences some unnerving apparitions herself. And as the two of them work closely together to restore the mansion’s faded glory, Deacon realizes that he’s found someone who doesn’t seem to like his fortune more than himself—while Nina may have finally found the one man she can trust with her bruised and battered heart.

But something on the island doesn’t believe in true love…and if Nina and Deacon can’t figure out how to put these angry spirits to rest, their own love doesn’t stand a ghost of a chance.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts What is one to do when they are part of a family that has a curse looming over them? And said person is the first successful person in the family in generations? And said person owns the family’s haunted island? Well if you are Deacon Whitney, you hire a group of the best of the best and clean and revamp that house. All while ignoring the things you don’t want to see.
Deacon may have everyone’s best interest at heart in this new project but it becomes clear that they are not the only ones on the island. The biggest question is who is going to win?
Love love love this book!! But then again I have not picked up (or in this case listened to) a Molly Harper book that I have not loved. I just love her snarky characters that always have a way of getting into a lot of trouble with minimal damage inflicted on others. I really hope that this will not be the end of the Whitney Island gang (as I would like to call them). I have already submitted my request for a novella for Jack & Cindy and a book for Dotty. Why you ask. Well you will just need to pick up a copy of Better Homes & Hauntings and find out 😉

Amanda does a great job as always bring the character to life for me. I just love a narrator that is great at her job. 🙂

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley, Pocketbooks & Brilliance Audio in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Jennifer reviews Love With A Perfect Cowboy by Lori Wilde

Love with a perfect cowboyTITLE: Love With A Perfect Cowboy
SERIES #: Cupid, Texas #4
CHARACTERS: Melody Spencer, Luke Nielson
AUTHOR: Lori Wilde
PUBLICATION DATE: 5/27/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS: Melody Spencer had long-ago wiped the dust of Cupid, Texas, off her cute shoes…and done her best to forget the chiseled jaw and strong arms of cowboy Luke Nielson. Their families might be part of a long-time feud, but he was her very first love, even if it turned out they never wanted the same things.

But now Luke’s come striding back into her life, tempting her with the memories of long, lazy evenings and hot, passionate kisses. And he has an ulterior motive–as Mayor of Cupid, he knows Melody’s business savvy can help save their beloved hometown. His smooth talking might get her to Texas, but that doesn’t mean he’ll get her in his bed. Still, people do say love can be more perfect the second time around…..

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts Melody Spencer and Luke Nielson have always been attracted to one another ever since they were teenagers in Cupid, Texas. She was Luke’s first love and he never forgot those magical summer nights away from their families growing up. Then, Melody left the small town after high school for the bright lights of the big city in New York and never looked back. Fifteen years later, Melody is down on her luck after losing her job and boyfriend all on the same day. It doesn’t help that Luke Nielson showed up on her doorstep that very day with a proposition for her to come back to Cupid to help save their hometown. With no other options, Melody moves home temporary to help drum up tourism for Cupid until they receive relief from the destructive drought that is currently plaguing the town.
I’m so glad that this was Melody’s story and she was the last of the four cousins to find her happy ending. She was a smart, sassy, young woman who had planned to leave her small town roots behind until life had a change of plans bringing her back to Cupid. You could tell that Melody and Luke were attracted to one another and verbally sparred with each other every chance they got. They fought this attraction because their families have hated each other for something that happened almost ninety years ago and wouldn’t like that they were a couple. I loved Luke and Melody together as a couple and even though it took them awhile, I’m glad they found their way back to each other.

Ms. Wilde writes wonderful small town romances and the Cupid, Texas series is one of my favorites. I enjoyed Melody and Luke’s love story and loved that other characters from her previous books made an appearance so we could get an update on their lives. Love With A Perfect Cowboy is a charming and entertaining romance that shows that nothing can prevent two people who love each other from being together.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly reviews Shifter’s Claim Part 1 by A.C. Arthur

Shifters Claim 1TITLE: Shifter’s Claim Part 1
SERIES: The Shadow Shifters #4
CHARACTERS: Priya & Sebastian
AUTHOR: A.C. Arthur
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/08/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Sebastian “Bas” Perry acknowledges there is something physical drawing him to Priya Drake, the inquisitive reporter. She is strong and tenacious and unpredictable, as he soon learns when she follows him to his resort in Sedona. Priya Drake knows what her assignment is, all she has to do is pull it off without getting caught. Desperation pushes her further than she ever imagined and suddenly she realizes she just might be in over her head when she comes face to face with the alluring shapeshifter Sebastian “Bas” Perry once again, in Shifter’s Claim Part I, from The Shadow Shifters series by A.C. Arthur.

REVIEW:
This is part 1 of the story (about 60 pages). Because it is the beginning there is a lot of information so we understand who everyone is and while usually that means the reader doesn’t get a lot of action or romance. Well this story is different. There is a lot of action and suspense. There is a bit of sexual connection though no sex yet. Where there isn’t is any shape shifting (yet).

Because it is the first part of the story so there is time. However this is the 4th in a series. I have not read the others in the series yet.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

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Kimberly & Jennifer review The Heart’s Game by Crista McHugh

hearts gameTITLE: The Heart’s Game
SERIES #: Kelly Brothers #4
CHARACTERS: Jenny & Dan
AUTHOR: Crista McHugh
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/07/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
What happens at Comic-Con, stays at Comic-Con…
Robotics engineer Jenny Nguyen has given up on finding Mr. Right. So when her brother and his husband approach her to act as surrogate for their child, she sees it as her only chance to have a child and accepts. One week after she initiates the process, however, she meets a man who gets her heart pumping for all the right reasons and gives into the temptation. When the test turns positive, she’s believes she can’t handle both the pregnancy and dating, but she underestimates how persistent a Daniel Kelly can be.
When surgeon and gamer-geek Dan meets a pretty woman dressed as a Sailor Scout at Comic-Con, a roll of his lucky 20-sided die tells him he should take a gamble on her. One night of passion leaves him longing for more, but Jenny’s refusal to return his calls afterward leaves him wondering if the attraction was one-sided. An accidental discovery of her pregnancy has him convinced the baby is his, and he’ll stop at nothing to win her heart.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
3 Hearts Three words.. Cheesy but cute. This story is so cheesy honestly there is no other word for it but at the same time sweet. The story is pretty cliche’… she is pregnant already and he falls for her anyway… but there are a few differences like it is for her gay brother, etc. The Comic-Con part is a big deal. There are so many references to characters that I have no idea about it was distracting but that is my issue not the authors since that is part of the synopsis.

If you are a geek you will probably enjoy this story.

JENNIFER’S REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I love that first line “What happens at Comic-Con, stays at Comic-Con..”and that is perfect for both Jenny and Dan whose chance meeting leads to one night of passion at SDCC. I liked Jenny a lot because she was smart, funny and was a self proclaimed geek. I think that Jenny did an admirable thing by being the surrogate for her brother and his partner, knowing that this would cause problems with her family. Jenny’s mom reminded me a lot of my mom when she wanted Jenny to be more conservative and “girly” so she could find herself a husband “before she was too old.”
Dan couldn’t forget his one night with Jenny at SDCC and was surprised to find that they had a mutual friend back home in Washington. He found out about her pregnancy and just assumed that the child was his and I wanted to hit him over the head for not having a discussion about it before getting into a relationship with Jenny. Miscommunication and the omission of vital details affected their relationship and caused heartbreak that could have been avoided if Jenny had just told Dan the truth about her pregnancy.
The Heart’s Game is the fourth book in the Kelly Brothers series and I’m beginning to love this family more and more. Ms. McHugh has created a delightful romance with The Heart’s Game and I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kimberly reviews Never Been Kissed by Molly O’Keefe

Never Been KissedTITLE: Never Been Kissed
SERIES #: Boys Of Bishop #2
CHARACTERS: Ashley & Brody
AUTHOR: Molly O’Keefe
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/01/14
ORDER LINKS:Amazon| | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
As the daughter of a wealthy politician, Ashley Montgomery has had enough of her parents’ expectations for her future and is going her own way, volunteering to work at a refugee camp in Africa. But her act of charity turns dangerous when she takes a boat trip and is abducted by Somali pirates. Enter Brody Baxter, who was a bodyguard for the Montgomery family ten years ago and doesn’t think twice about coming to Ashley’s rescue. Handsome and tough, Brody has always done what needed to be done. So he swoops in, saves Ashley, and brings her to a place where she can rest and recuperate without the glare of the press and her demanding family: Brody’s small hometown of Bishop, Arkansas. But Ashley soon realizes that she’s not the only one in need of healing.
Holed up with Ashley in a tiny apartment over his brother’s bar in Bishop, Brody is tempted and torn in ways he never anticipated. Beautiful Ashley, vibrant despite her ordeal, fearless enough to love him beyond his wall of self-punishment, is now determined to save him. But with a little faith and a lot of love, they just may find happiness in each others’ arms.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts It took a while but I finally enjoyed this story. The problem is Brody is a hard guy to like especially in the beginning. As we get to know him we understand why but until that time comes it is so hard to want him to have his happy ending. Ashley is so needy that she is hard to like as well. She is written to be so independent but then she hangs all over Brody like a lovesick girl and it gets annoying. Now all that being said once they finally connect they are a fun couple and they both change and become enjoyable.
I enjoyed the story (eventually) but I wonder where the authors head was while writing this. Everyone has such a chip on their shoulders and no one is just happy being themselves.
Finally getting to the HEA was worth it. I am actually looking forward to Shelby’s story which is next. I wanted her story after reading the first in the series. I can’t wait to see who can bring Shelby back into the world.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Kelly reviews Extreme Measures by Elisabeth Naughton

extreme measuresTITLE: Extreme Measures
SERIES #: Aegis Security #1
CHARACTERS: Zane Archer & Eve Wolfe
AUTHOR: Elisabeth Naughton
PUBLICATION DATE: July 8, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Being prepared for any scenario is the trademark of any good CIA operative, and Eve Wolfe is one of the best. But when her latest mission literally explodes in her face, she wakes up labeled a traitor and—even more surprising—in the custody of elite Aegis Security operative and ex-lover Zane Archer. Although she still secretly has feelings for Zane, he’s now demanding the one thing that she can’t give him: the truth.

When he caught her breaking the rules years ago, Zane let Eve walk away without an explanation. Now someone has not only sabotaged Aegis but also turned an American city into a war zone, and all signs point to Eve. Zane needs answers that can come only from Eve’s still-tempting lips, and he finally has the elusive operative right where he wants her—at his mercy.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts Zane has never forgotten or forgiving the person who almost killed him in an ambush. For over a year he has been tracking and plan what he would do when he finally caught up with this person. Only one problem. The person he is after is also the person he is in love with. And finding her out cold from an explosion is not what he had in mind.
What was suppose to be a simple give me the truth and walk away session with Eve has turned into a run for our life’s mission. Now the questions is who is setting them up? And what the heck does it have to do with Eve and Zane specifically?

Good first full length novel in Ms. Naughton’s Aegis Security series. Lots of action, lot of who do you trust and yes some romance. I really liked Zane & Eve. They are so well fitted together. I loved the side story of involving Eve’s sister Olivia. I am very much looking forward to what is next in this series. I am hoping for Miller and Olivia. Although I would love to see who is going to take down Ryder. 🙂

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley & in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kelly reviews Lacey’s Game by Shiloh Walker

Laceys GameTITLE: Lacey’s Game
CHARACTERS: Brogan, Lacey & Lou
AUTHOR: Shiloh Walker
PUBLICATION DATE: April 11, 2014
ORDER LINKS: Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Lacey Morgan is fed up and heartbroken. Her boyfriend Brogan is all about control and she’s all about breaking through his barriers. Except she can’t seem to do it. Unwilling to settle for only part of him, she takes off, figuring it’s better that way. After all, half of a relationship is worse than none. She settles in with her best friend, hot and sexy photographer Lou, figuring she’ll lick her wounds and give her heart time to heal.

Finding Lacey gone is a punch to the gut. Finding her with another guy is even worse. She isn’t interested in listening to what he has to say, though. Not unless he’s willing to strip himself bare and give up pieces of himself that died long ago.

Brogan can’t do that. Or so he thinks. Lacey and Lou have other plans, a hot, torrid night, some hot, sexy pictures… Lacey is determined to show Brogan a new way of seeing things

REVIEW:
Lacey has finally come to the conclusion that the man she is in love with will never love her back. So in order to try to get over him she takes off. Right into the arms of one of her best friends and former lovers. Only problem is that Brogan does not want to let her go. Even if that means having to play Lacey’s game.

This was a dirty little diddie of a novella. So if you like your novella’s quick, dirty and a happy ending you should pick up a copy of Lacey’s game.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Shiloh Walker in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

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Kimberly reviews Naughty Bits #3 by Joey W Hill

Naughty Bits 3TITLE: Naughty Bits: Bound To Please
SERIES #: Naughty Bits #3
CHARACTERS: Madison & Logan
AUTHOR: Joey W Hill
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/17/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Thanks to her new Dom’s exquisitely special set of skills, Madison is discovering how delicious it can be to lose control. Logan is committed to awakening Madison’s long buried desires, and after he shows her the depths of ecstasy they can reach with a little bit of roleplay, he’s ready to take her to the next level.
But when Madison’s old fears resurface, Logan grows wary of pushing her too far too fast. He can sense just how deeply she longs for release from past regrets, but what surprises him the most is the intense yearning his innocent new sub is awakening in him. Now Logan must decide to what lengths he’ll go to convince Madison to give herself over completely…

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This is the 3rd installment of Naughty Bits and I think the best so far. Madison and Logan have had a connection in the previous two installments but it really explodes in this one. Madison has such a realization in this story that it changes everything.
I love this story. I have enjoyed Logan so much and the man he is. I love reading his insight and the way he understands what he is but is willing to let Madison discover what she is. Yes the sex in the story is hot but the connection between them is so much hotter. While a Dom he has a softness about him that melts the heart.

The only problem is that I keep having to wait for the next installment. This is a new trend that is really not one of my favorites. But for this story I will keep waiting as long as I need to.

Disclaimer:
The following review is my opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts